I Stand Corrected: TWO New Marriott Safari Properties to Open in Kenya - JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton

A few months ago, I compiled a comprehensive list of all the points-bookable safari properties in Africa. Since then, we've received news of a new Ritz-Carlton property coming to Kenya's Masai Mara, which I wrote a short piece about the other day. Though the property was viewable on Marriott's website, details were limited, so after calling the property and speaking with a team member, I learned, amongst other things, that the Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp would be a 20-key outlet operated by the same ownership group of the existing JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. I was also told to expect a full press release from Marriott on Tuesday (February 25, 2025). Well, the press release dropped yesterday as promised, and with it, we learned that there would be not one new safari property but a second. In addition to the expected August 2025 debut of the Ritz-Carlton, we'll also see the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp come to market in early 2026. Let's jump into it.

Marriott's Growing African Safari Footprint

For anyone keeping tally at home, Marriott's luxury safari portfolio now includes five existing or announced properties - the JW Marriott Masai Mara (2023) Leopard Sands Kruger Park (2023), The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (2025), JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp (2026), and the JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge (2026). That's impressive and notably includes coverage at all three of Africa's most popular National parks for safari. 

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp & Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp

'20' appears to be the magic number for Marriott safari camps and lodges. These new properties will have 20 keys, as does the existing JW Marriott Masai Mara. If I remember correctly, Leopard Sands Kruger Park has 19 rooms. 

The Ritz-Carlton is within an hour's drive of the existing JW Marriott Masai Mara. Notably, the JW Marriott Mount Kenya will be 3.5 hours north-north-west of Nairobi, seven hours away from its sister properties. 

The description of each property's vibe and offerings sounds similar to that of the JW Marriott Masai Mara. Again, it's the same ownership group, so it's not a surprise. 

I'd be curious to know whether the opening of a second JW Marriott has anything to do with the flooding that heavily impacted the JW Marriott Masai Mara during Kenya's wet seasons last year. Though the lodge reopened quickly, I wonder if the event gave rise to any long-term strategy to rebrand the JW Masai Mara, to say an Autograph Collection or other soft brand hotel, once the Mount Kenya property opens and finds its groove.

As for pricing - I ran a few searches for sample dates at the Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp and found rates as low as $4410. 

That's pricey, which isn't a surprise for a safari. That said, the value of going on a safari at an international chain like Marriott is maximized if you can redeem points for a stay. So I await the tea on how much it'll cost to stay on points. It was easy to enjoy my time at Leopard Sands, knowing that my entire stay cost less than one night at other luxe resorts at Kruger (and other popular safari destinations across Africa). It's not the same level of luxury. Leopard Sands is more of an elevated-upscale lodge than a luxurious one, but the value speaks for itself.

Conclusion 

With the announcement of the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp and Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp, the list of points-bookable safari properties keeps growing. Hopefully, this means 'bucket-list' safaris can become realities for more travelers. I'd love to know if you plan to check out The Ritz-Carlton once it opens in the comments or either of the two existing properties any time soon!